July 1, 2024

How Much CBD For Dogs?

We love our dogs like full-fledged family members, and just like family, we'll do anything to get them feeling their best. So, it should be no surprise to hear that, just like humans, there is increasing interest in CBD's benefits for dogs. However, considering that our canine companions can’t do their own math, that leaves us trying to determine the best CBD serving for dogs.

Here, we outline what we know about calculating how much CBD for dogs is safe and effective, plus a dosage chart to help you get started.

Dog CBD 101: What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active compound produced by cannabis plants, and it's particularly abundant in hemp varieties. Cannabis species produce over a hundred cannabinoids, with the two most prolific being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. But, importantly, CBD does not cause stimulating effects associated with THC. It is also non-toxic to dogs.

Fascinatingly, CBD has similar effects on both humans and their four-legged friends. Humans and dogs both have an endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors and regulating compounds that help balance bodily functions, including the sensation of pain, mood, stress, inflammation, and appetite.

Because cannabinoids like CBD seamlessly integrate into this system, they step in when it becomes dysregulated. Cannabinoids can help return the system to a state of homeostasis or balance.

What Are the Benefits of CBD for Dogs?

There is a growing focus on CBD's benefits for humans, and now, this interest is trickling over into research for what CBD could do for dogs. Although still in their early days, preliminary veterinary studies are looking at how CBD could help alleviate discomfort, facilitate anti-inflammatory effects, and help with stress.

If you chat with dog owners, you'll also hear many anecdotal reports of how CBD seems to help reduce separation anxiety, calm down hyper animals, increase appetite, and generally improve their quality of life.

How Much CBD Should You Give Your Dog: What to Consider

Before tossing out a handful of CBD-infused dog treats, you'll want to ensure you get the serving amount right. It will ensure your dog's feeling good and help you get that optimum effective amount so you aren't wasting any product.

Weight of Dog

one big dog breed and one small dog breed, different weights of dog example

Just like with humans, your dog's size will impact the serving size. Larger breeds, whether a pitbull, golden retriever, or Great Dane, will need quite a bit more CBD than a tiny Chihuahua. So, before you begin adding CBD into your dog's daily routine, make sure to weigh your dog first and then base the serving size on that number.

Product Type

There are a few different CBD products available for dogs these days, with CBD-infused treats and CBD oils (also called tinctures) being the most popular.

When you read the package, look for the total CBD per serving size. For example, you'll find 20 mg of CBD in every Hometown Hero treat. This will tell you how much CBD is in each treat or dropper of tincture.

Formulation

CBD comes in several different formulations: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate:

Full-spectrum contains all cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC.
Broad-spectrum also includes multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but is THC-free.
Isolate is pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or terpenes.

Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD formulas are thought to capture the synergistic benefits of all the plant's beneficial compounds (cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes) working together. According to cannabinoid researchers, this synergy could lead to more comprehensive therapeutic benefits compared to using isolated CBD alone.

How To Calculate the Right Amount of CBD for Your Dog

feeding a dog a pet treat in the sunny grass

Just how much CBD should you start with for your own dog? While there is no official guidance (yet) from animal welfare or veterinary organizations about CBD for dogs, there is a growing consensus from the research about safe amounts.

How Much CBD for Dogs: Serving Formula

Here is the simple calculation:

1 milligram of CBD x weight in pounds

So, for example, let's look at the calculation for a 10 lb miniature pinscher:

1 mg of CBD x 10 lbs = 10 mg of CBD

That would look like ½ Hometown Hero Dog Treat or, depending on what your bottle of CBD tincture contains, maybe a few drops of oil (again, because potencies vary widely with tincture, you'll want to check against the label). Treats are the easiest method since they come pre- and consistently dosed, so you'll never have to calculate milligrams per drop

With Hometown Hero’s Calming Full-Spectrum CBD Dog Treats, we recommend starting with the following:

Pet Weight	Serving Size of CBD	Number of HH CBD Treats
10-25 lb	10 mg	1/2 treat
26-50 lb	20 mg	1 treat
51-100 lb	40 mg	2 treats
100+ lb	60 mg	3 treats

If you find this all a bit confusing, the good news is that CBD has an excellent and dog-friendly safety profile. According to the canine studies done so far, CBD is safe and well-tolerated.

But, as you prepare to discuss your dog's health plan with your vet, here is some information pulled from the broader conversation about CBD's serving-size-dependant effects that you might want to bring with you:

Calm: Medium Serving

A 2019 study on humans discovered a mid-sized serving reduced stress compared to a placebo. The lowest and highest servings tested did not produce similarly effective results.

Sleep: Low to Medium Serving

Another 2019 case study examined CBD sleep (again with humans) and found that lower serving amounts “appear to elicit an adequate clinical response."

Discomfort: Higher Serving

A 2023 paper on cannabinoid amounts suggested relief from physical discomfort may require higher serving amounts.

Remember, as with any new ingredient in your daily doggy wellness routine, you'll first want to speak with your vet. Second, you'll want to start with the lowest serving size and gradually increase over time to reduce any potential side effects.

CBD Dog Treats Simplify CBD for Dogs

You are not the only dog owner out there who’s curious about the advantages of CBD for dogs but unsure where to start with serving amounts. After consulting with your vet, it may make sense to start incorporating Hometown Hero's CBD Dog treats into your daily routine.

In Peanut Butter and Chicken Dinner flavors, our Full-Spectrum Dog Treats contain just seven all-natural ingredients and are formulated with a precise and consistent 20 mg per serving. Co-developed with a certified veterinarian, these treats offer a convenient and precise way to implement CBD to enhance your dog's quality of life.

To all the dog moms and dog dads out there, until next time, Mind your Mind.

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice